Louise K Kerkhof

Louise Millie Kerkhof, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. Lou can be defined by a fearless spirit, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, a uniquely creative mind, and a deep-rooted faith that served as the anchor for everything she did. Lou poured an extraordinary amount of creativity and joy into the lives of everyone she knew.

Lou was born on September 29, 1926, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to Max and Emilie (Orban) Kuhn. She graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1944 and she continued her education at Wheaton College, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Home Economics with a minor in Sciences.

After completing her degree, she accepted a position teaching Home Economics, Physics and Chemistry in Princeton, Wisconsin. It was there that she met the love of her life, Eugene. The two were united in holy matrimony on August 20, 1949 in Madison, WI. Together, they shared 70 years of devoted marriage and were blessed with five children who were raised and grew up in Monona, Wisconsin.

In 1987, Lou and Gene began a new chapter, taking up residence in Sun City West, Arizona. They later moved to the Sierra Winds Retirement Community in Peoria, Arizona,in 2005.

Lou had a brilliant, curious mind that never stopped seeking to understand the world.That curiosity sparked a deep love for travel, a joy she and Gene shared completely. They loved exploring new cultures, discovering fresh horizons, and finding beauty in nature. Eager to pass on their love for exploration, Lou and Gene made family trips a priority, taking their children and grandchildren on adventures ranging from National Park camping excursions to a dream vacation in Hawaii.

Lou’s creativity knew no bounds. At the young age of 8, she discovered a passion for sewing that would continue throughout her whole life. Blessed with a remarkable talent, she became a skilled seamstress, crafting her own clothing. After retirement, she fell in love with the art of quilting. Lou infused her unique personal touch into creating hundreds of quilts for people she loved and for people in need. Lou would not hesitate to share her talent with others, teaching them the skills that were so dear to her.

In the kitchen, Lou was an experimental and creative cook who loved testing out new recipes. She also possessed a deep love for the English language, keeping her mind sharp with challenging crossword puzzles and word games.

Above all, Lou’s greatest joy was her family. Many of her happiest moments were spent gathered around the table, sharing good food, playing card games, and exchanging stories and laughter with her family and friends.

Lou is survived by her three sons, Stephen (Susan), Mitchell (Hitoko), and John(Corinne); her two daughters, Christine Viner and Laura Reiter; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Gertrude Forsberg.

Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene; her parents; her brother, Gustav Kuhn; her sister, Elizabeth Peck; and her sons-in-law, Paul Viner and Daniel Reiter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sierra Winds Chapel, 17300 N. 88th Avenue, Peoria, AZ on Saturday, October 17 at 1:30 p.m.. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monona, WI.

In memory of Louise, memorial gifts may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.